In cricket, they say form fades but class and commitment last forever. Test cricket really tests players— not just their skills but their character and patience too. With Angelo Mathews calling it a day after 16 years of hard work and triumphs, it’s a good time to look back at the Sri Lankan players who have played the most Tests for their country. Here are the top five:
Sri Lankan Players with the Most Test Matches Played
| Rank | Player | Span | Matches | Runs | Wickets | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mahela Jayawardene | 1997–2014 | 149 | 11,814 | 6 | Sri Lanka’s most‑capped Test player |
| 2 | Kumar Sangakkara | 2000–2015 | 134 | 12,400 | – | Highest Test run‑scorer for Sri Lanka |
| 3 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 1992–2010 | 132 | 1,259 | 795 | Most‑wickets in Test history |
| 4 | Angelo Mathews | 2009–2025 | 118 | 8,167 | 33 | Still active as of June 2025 |
| 5 | Chaminda Vaas | 1994–2009 | 111 | 3,089 | 355 | Sri Lanka’s most‑capped fast bowler |
1. Mahela Jayawardene: 149 Tests
Mahela Jayawardene is at the top of the list, the heart of Sri Lanka’s golden age. He played 149 Tests and was known for his ability to bat long innings. 11,814 runs and 34 centuries, including 374 against South Africa, he set records that still stand. Beyond his runs, he was a smart leader and an amazing slip fielder, always ready to guide the team through tough times.
2. Kumar Sangakkara: 134 Tests
Kumar Sangakkara was poetry in motion on the field. 12,400 runs in 134 Tests and an average to boot, he left a lasting impact on the game. His cover drives were a joy to watch and his calmness was a balm to the soul. He wasn’t just a good batsman; he was a leader and a thinker, contributing to the team with the gloves and at the crease.
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3. Muttiah Muralitharan: 132 Tests
Muttiah Muralitharan is a legend—132 Tests and 795 wickets to his name. He’s often considered one of the best bowlers ever, weaving magic with his spin. His accurate deliveries and clever variations troubled batsmen all over the world. 67 five-wicket hauls, he could change the game single handedly.
4. Angelo Mathews: 119 Tests
Angelo Mathews may not have been the flashiest player but he got the job done. Debuting in 2009, he played 119 Tests and scored 8,214 runs. He was known for saving innings and grinding down bowlers with his determination. His medium pace came in handy at crucial moments, making him a reliable player for over a decade.
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5. Chaminda Vaas: 111 Tests
Before Lasith Malinga, Chaminda Vaas was the main man in Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. He took wickets on tough pitches with skill not speed. 355 Test wickets, he’s Sri Lanka’s leading fast bowler. He could also bat, scoring a Test century and several fifties.
